Sheff to meet with Reds

The Phillies Zone

Gary Sheffield or his representatives will meet with the Cincinnati Reds today, reports Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News. The Reds would appear in a position to offer more playing time to Sheffield than the Phillies. Chris Dickerson, Jerry Hairston Jr., Jonny Gomes and Laynce Nix are competing for the left field job there, while the Phillies outfield is obviously set. Sheffield also has a good relationship with Reds manager Dusty Baker, McCoy writes.

The feeling emanating from the Phillies organization is that, as they've said all along, they are interested in Sheffield—how could they not at least inquire?—but unsure if he will accept a bench role. They’ll probably get a better feel for that later today, after the Reds meeting.

Sheffield aside, the Phils are not sold on Miguel Cairo as their righthanded bat off the bench and are seeking an upgrade.

Sheffield’s agent Rufus Williams has not said that his client would take a part-time job, nor has he ruled it out. The 40-year-old slugger would probably have to conclude that an everyday opportunity does not exist before he would agree to sign with the Phillies